Cons

Some rooms are in need of renovations

Pool is small

Can be a steep walk to some rooms

Not all rooms have air-conditioning (although with the excellent breezes, few guests use it)

Bottom Line

The Bitter End Yacht Club, snuggled into a steep hill on the scenic North Sound, is a relaxed, family-friendly resort. The tech-free rooms (no TVs or Wi-Fi here) feature stunning views from the balconies, and the sliding doors allows breezes to sweep through; some rooms do not have air-conditioning but most guests find they don't miss it. While some rooms feel up-to-date (with bright comforters, sleek bathrooms, and comfy lounge chairs), others have dated furniture and are in need of renovations. The white-sand beaches at the hotel are narrow, but they are still the highlight here, offering plenty of water sports and relatively calm waters. The pool, however, is a disappointment: It is small and thus relatively unused. Families will likely enjoy the calm waters, the small kids' club, and the outdoor movie theater, while couples can enjoy the gorgeous views and the solid restaurant options. Those looking for a more luxurious stay, however, should consider the Biras Creek Resort.

Oyster Hotel Review

Location

The Bitter End Yacht Club is tucked into the North Sound of Virgin Gorda, the British Virgin Islands' second largest island. Although Virgin Gorda does have a small airport (mostly used by chartered planes), the hotel is only accessible by boat.

Most guests fly into Beef Island Airport (adjacent to Tortola) and take the North Sound Express ferry straight to BEYC, which takes about 45 minutes. Those who fly into the Virgin Gorda Airport can take a short taxi ride (about $30 including tip) from Spanish Town (a tiny town with a grocery store and a restaurant) to Gun Creek jetty, from which the boat ride only takes about 15 minutes.

From the Bitter End, guests can nearly see mogul Richard Branson's private island, Necker Island, which is about a 15-minute boat ride away. The beaches at the hotel are small, but offer beautiful views of the surrounding archipelago, and the waters are host to the third largest Caribbean mega-yacht party, which takes place during the holidays every year.

Bottom Line

The Bitter End Yacht Club, snuggled into a steep hill on the scenic North Sound, is a relaxed, family-friendly resort. The tech-free rooms (no TVs or Wi-Fi here) feature stunning views from the balconies, and the sliding doors allows breezes to sweep through; some rooms do not have air-conditioning but most guests find they don't miss it. While some rooms feel up-to-date (with bright comforters, sleek bathrooms, and comfy lounge chairs), others have dated furniture and are in need of renovations. The white-sand beaches at the hotel are narrow, but they are still the highlight here, offering plenty of water sports and relatively calm waters. The pool, however, is a disappointment: It is small and thus relatively unused. Families will likely enjoy the calm waters, the small kids' club, and the outdoor movie theater, while couples can enjoy the gorgeous views and the solid restaurant options. Those looking for a more luxurious stay, however, should consider the Biras Creek Resort.